The Splendid Screen's charge ability is more potent than the Chargin' Targe's; a successful charge bash delivers 70% more damage and 50% faster shield recharge. Like the Chargin' Targe, heads gathered by the Eyelander, Horseless Headless Horsemann's Headtaker or Nessie's Nine Iron will increase the damage of the bash, at a maximum of 5 heads. However, the Splendid Screen only offers both +20% fire and explosive resistance, instead of the Targe's +50% fire resistance and +30% explosive resistance.

The strength of the charge is indicated in a meter in the HUD which changes color as it depletes. Using a melee weapon in conjunction with the charge will provide extra damage potential. For example, when the meter is white or green, a melee attack will only do normal damage. At the yellow color, essentially half of the charge distance, striking will add mini-crit damage. Finally, moving the full distance and attacking at red will give it a full-power critical hit. Additionally, the player get a melee mini-crit or crits swing immediately after bashing into a player depend on charge depleted, mini-crits occur at less 25% charge meter depleted and crits occur at less 65%. While charging, any enemy in the direct path will be bashed by the Splendid Screen provided the player does not end the charge prematurely by attacking. The shield bash damage scales over distance.

This item has four different styles. These styles, titled "Classic", "Spike", "Arrow", and "Spike and Arrow", allow the Splendid Screen to bear a spike, an arrow, neither, or both, embedded in its face.